Definition: A basal leaf is one that grows from the lowest part of the stem. Basal, in general, refers to the base of a structure.
Many perennial plants are trimmed back to new basal foliage once the older foliage starts to look tired and worn. Examples of perennials that send up new basal growth later in the growing season are: Geranium, Polemonium and Pulmanaria.
Examples:
Lush new basal foliage emerges at the base of Pulmonaria plants, once the flowers begin to fade.
